India-Pak talks overcome 13/7 Mumbai attack

Published: Friday, July 15, 2011, 8:51 [IST]

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New Delhi, Jul 15: If the 13/7 Mumbai attacks were a plan to derail the Indo-Pak dialogue, then sadly for the strategists of this inhuman act, they have failed. Refusing to let the terror-attack affect the dialogue, India will go ahead with the foreign minister talks with Pakistan next week.

Nirupama Rao, India's foreign secretary was quoted by the Times of India as saying, "I am convinced of the need for India and Pakistan to discuss such issues of vital importance for the future of this region.. I know the extent and pain that we as a country have to deal with, and has been inflicted upon us by cross-border terrorism, I don't think the memories of that can fade so easily."

She added, "But because we share borders, we will always have to deal with them. I don't think unadulterated confrontation or speaking the language of conflict can help us or Pakistan."

This comes as a fresh whiff of air as India realises that by derailing the talks it would be giving a boost to the agenda of the terror-outfits in Pakistan. It can be comprehended as a strategic intent by India to engage Pakistan in a dialogue and move forward in having normal relations.

Rao, was further quoted by the daily as saying, "Every time there is a terror attack in India, we tend to freeze a little. It's very natural for us to think of all that has happened in the past. So much of this issue has complicated our relationship with Pakistan."

Condemning the Mumbai attacks, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna also clarified that talks with Pakistan are still on. He said, "This is yet another grim reminder to everyone in this region and our country that terror is a continuing threat to India and it is necessary for all Indians to be ever vigilant of these terrorist attacks."

Let's hope that the belief of the Indian government pays dividends and Pakistan really doers something concrete to ensure that its soil is not used for planning terror attacks on India.